Wednesday, March 28, 2012

This has got to be one of the best followups I've read in quite some time. If you haven't read the first book yet, please do so before reading any further. These books have a bit of everything. Yes there are vampires, but there are also demons, witches, time travel, and other things that go bump in the night.

The second book starts exactly where the first book leaves off, with Rhiannon beamed into a bad episode of the Twilight Zone. And because I've always been a sucker for a nice mind screw plot, I really enjoyed this book, or at least the first three quarters of it. Overall the book was written, edited, and executed better than the first. In short, I devoured this book in no time flat.

And while I did like this book overall, I thought it fell short on a couple of key places. The climax may have been started too early, leaving a somewhat anti-climatic and disappointing ending. This happens when a majority of the book is a high-energy fantasy thriller ride, that doesn't let up until the climax, then ends in on a slower-somber note. My other issue was the predictable major turn of events, although the author did ultimately deliver what I was hoping for. There were also just a couple of mistakes/inconsistencies, one of which is blatantly apparent if you read the first two books back to back. It's hard to miss, that's all I'll say.

In summary, I loved this book because it was exciting and satisfying up until the climax. I'm definitely signing up to read the third book when it comes out.

Monday, March 26, 2012

A decent book that really got my attention more towards the end. I think I'm about done with reading any new vampire plots. They all seem to be relatively similar, with little that ever surprises me anymore. Another thing that stays true to the UF paradigm is the ever smart-mouthed & kick-assed persona of the UF female protagonists. I actually don't mind this protagonist or her smart mouth that much, because she is somewhat likable and sometimes vulnerable.

As per usual, the vampires are seductive cool beasts, and we again have a protagonist that falls for the HBIC (Head Bitch In Charge, for those that don't know). The only difference is that with her particular useful talent, to detect the twice dead, lands her in the middle of some unsavory characters and situations. There are some interesting back stories told, mysteries solved, and hot scenes to delve into, so it was definitely an enjoyable read, even if it was still somewhat predictable or common. The climax and ending is what really pushed this one into the definitely not bad territory. I would have been perturbed if the 2nd book wasn't already available. Yes, we are walking a semi-cliffhanger line here. Looking forward to more soon to quell my addled mind.

In summary, with only a couple of nit-pick mistakes and inconsistencies, I have a hard time not recommending this book, even with the over used vamp sub-plot. This book may have been published at the height of the vamp/UF fad for all I know, so I'll excuse the over used subplot, especially with the few fresh spins it does end up offering readers.

Just a side warning. If you decide to read this book, make sure you have the 2nd book handy.

Warning: Sexual Content & gruesome Voodoo-like Mayhem

*****

One bad corpse can ruin your whole day. No one knows that better than Rhiannon Murphy.

She's left behind the flash and sass of Miami for the no-nonsense groove of New York City, eager for a clean slate and a fresh start. A bartender by trade, a loud mouth by choice, and a necromancer by chance, she's managed to keep her nifty talent hidden from those around her--until now.

The deliciously good-looking vampire Disco knows her secret, and when he strolls into her bar to solicit help investigating the mysterious disappearances of his kind from the city, she discovers he's not the kind of person that appreciates the significance of the word no. But in a world where vampires peddle their blood as the latest and greatest drug of choice, it's only a matter of time before the next big thing hits the market. Someone or something is killing vampires to steal their hearts, and unlike Rhiannon, this isn't their first stroll around the undead block.

Friday, March 16, 2012

This is straight-up Shifter PNR, which is really not even my bag, but I do have to say this is one of the best books in that category that I've read. Well executed and very easy to read, I enjoyed this book through and through. There is plenty of action, story-telling, mystery, and romance. Without sacrificing too much of the main plot, set-up for the follow-up is well laid out. I definitely look forward to more.

*****

Ana Cordona has been a strong leader for the lupine shifters who survived after all the males and most of the females in her pack were mysteriously poisoned. As tough as she is, with no Alpha male, the pack is vulnerable to the devious shifter Taggart, who wants to claim both their ranch and Ana as his own. When Connor Armstrong comes back into her life, promising protection, it’s almost enough to make Ana forget how he walked out on her before—and reluctantly accept his offer to mate.

The minute Connor sees Ana again, it reawakens a raw hunger. He must have her for his bondmate—his wolf cries out for it. But his human side knows he must proceed with caution because of their complicated past. If he is to truly have her body and soul, he must go beyond his burning desire and win back her heart. Whatever it takes, he is determined not to leave her side again.

But Taggart and his rival pack are not their only enemies. A human element in town is targeting shifters. Their plan not only threatens Ana and Connor’s future, but the lives of the entire pack

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